University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Adds Renowned Reproductive Surgeon to Infertility Team at Magee-Womens Hospital

PITTSBURGH, March 13, 2001 — Magee-Womens Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center has named a well-known reproductive endocrinologist to its team of infertility specialists, building the program into the region’s largest and most comprehensive.

Joseph S. Sanfilippo, M.D., has been named vice chair of reproductive sciences at Magee, where he will medically and surgically treat women who are experiencing infertility as a result of reproductive endocrine problems.

“I’m very pleased to be an integral part of the department of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences and a member of the division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Magee, a team that is known for its dedication to providing leading-edge technological advances in infertility and reproductive endocrinology services,” said Dr. Sanfilippo, who also is responsible for outreach to physicians in the community and departmental strategic planning.

“We are fortunate to have Dr. Sanfilippo at Magee,” said Irma Goertzen, president and CEO, Magee-Womens Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “His vast knowledge of reproductive endocrinology and his expertise in minimally invasive surgery will help many women overcome the conditions and disorders that prevent them from having children.”

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Sanfilippo will continue his research in the areas of reproductive endocrinology, infertility, menopause and pediatric and adolescent gynecology. Ongoing studies include phase three and four studies of oral contraceptive trials, and assessing the cardiovascular effects of hormone replacement therapy. He also will initiate a multi-center study on adhesion prevention. This trial will assess the use of medication to prevent scar tissue and improve outcomes following minimally invasive surgery. He also hopes to begin a fellowship training program at Magee.

Before joining Magee, Dr. Sanfilippo was the James and Marilyn Gilmore professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine, and chairman of the department of OB-GYN at Allegheny General Hospital. Prior to that he was affiliated with the University of Louisville School of Medicine as director of the division of reproductive endocrinology, co-director of the division of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, and professor of OB-GYN. He also held appointments at various hospitals in Kentucky, including director of gynecology at Kosair Children’s Hospital, and chief of OB-GYN and president of the medical staff at Norton Hospital.

Dr. Sanfilippo received his medical degree from the Chicago Medical School, which named him distinguished alumnus in 1990. He completed an internship at Milwaukee County General Hospital, a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the State University of New York and a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

Among his published works are numerous articles on reproductive endocrinology, minimally invasive surgery and pediatric and adolescent gynecology in professional journals such as the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism and The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He has edited a variety of textbooks, including Operative Gynecologic Endoscopy, Risk Management Handbook and Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, which is now in its third edition. He is on several editorial boards, including that of the Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology and OBG Management.

Dr. Sanfilippo is immediate past president of the Society of Reproductive Surgeons. He was listed in Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare in 1997.

Dr. Sanfilippo is the second reproductive endocrinologist to join Magee-Womens Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in recent weeks. The first, Anthony Wakim, M.D., was announced in late February.

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